LEXUS HONOURS F LINE WITH 10TH ANNIVERSARY MODELS

The two special 351kW V8 performance cars are distinguished by a matte grey paint finish, a "Competition Blue" interior with carbon-fibre highlights, black polished alloy wheels revealing callipers in the same blue hue and front performance dampers.

Anniversary celebrations are being shared with performance-car lovers due to the decision by Lexus to offer the RC F and GS F limited-edition at the same prices as the variants on which they are based.

The Lexus F marque has come to symbolise continuous advances in performance and handling - from the original IS F in 2008 to the LFA super car, RC F coupe and GS F sedan.

Lexus chief executive Scott Thompson said the 10th anniversary limited-edition models captured the sporting spirit of the F performance marque - cars honed on the track but designed for accessible road-going performance.

"The letter F symbolises a series of Lexus cars that are designed and engineered to deliver a higher level of sporting style and driving reward," Mr Thompson said.

"These rare and exclusive versions reinforce that F models are built for drivers to immerse themselves in pure driving pleasure and satisfying performance."

Limited edition Anniversary models

The powerful lines and sculpted surfaces of the limited-edition models are accentuated by a matte paint finish known as Fuji Graphite that is also applied to the door handles, mirror housings, side skirts and shark fin antenna.

Exclusive to the anniversary models, the new paint treatment provides a striking contrast with the polished black finish of the 19-inch alloy wheels.

Visible through the 20 spokes are large "competition blue" brake callipers that bear the evocative F logo. The same blue shade surrounds the discreet F badge on the front wings.

Front performance dampers deliver improved body rigidity and steering stability that further enhance the driving performance for which "F" models are known.

Inside, the application of blue colouring is even bolder. Highly supportive front sports seats are finished in vivid blue semi-aniline leather with white accents and the F symbol embossed in the integrated head restraints.

Matching blue leather can be found on the steering wheel, gear-shift knob, instrument panel, centre console and seatbelts.

The surrounds for the window controls on the door armrests incorporate carbon-fibre weave finish in blue, black and silver.

The rear seats are wrapped in black leather and a black headlining, embossed with the F symbol, adds to the focused, sporting ambience.

Each model is fitted with a discreet metal plaque recording the car's Limited status.

The 10th anniversary RC F is based on the RC F Carbon Pack, equipping the car with a carbon fibre roof and active rear wing. It is priced from $151,929.

The GS F limited-edition sedan, which features carbon-fibre lower grille surround and rear lip spoiler, is priced from $155,940.

Other standard features shared by these cars include a torque vectoring differential for superior handling through corners. Every F model incorporates Lexus Safety System+, which incorporates rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitor among its suite of technologies.

The limited-edition models will be available from Wednesday, September 5

History of the Lexus F marque

The Lexus F division was launched in 2008 with the IS F V8 sedan, followed in 2011 by the pinnacle of the Lexus brand's F performance-car history, the LFA supercar.

The powerful RC F arrived in Australia in 2015 and was followed a year later by the GS F sedan. They adopted the same performance blueprint with extensive changes to the Lexus V8 powertrain that increased output by 40kW to 351kW.

The two cars feature an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission that offers a wide range of sophisticated and driver-selectable electronic-control features, including G-sensors and artificial intelligence software for sports driving on winding roads.

Stronger and lighter components - such as forged connecting rods and titanium valves - further sharpened response and delivered more linear acceleration, all the way to a new 7,100rpm red line. Stopping power was significantly improved with larger and thicker slotted brake discs.

Lexus meticulously tested the torque vectoring differential system at the Nürburgring and Japan's Fuji Speedway to fine-tune its operation and co-operation with the vehicle dynamic integrated management (VDIM) system. VDIM in these models features a SPORT mode and an EXPERT setting for circuit driving.

The Lexus F symbol is derived from the name and design of Japan's Fuji Speedway - the home of Lexus performance vehicle development.

It represents the first letter of the famed track's name and depicts the first corner of Fuji Speedway, commonly known as 27R.